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Constant Troyon
1810-1865 I French
The Gamekeeper and His Dogs
Oil on canvas
This remarkable composition, titled The Gamekeeper and His Dogs, is a masterwork by the celebrated Constant Troyon, one of the Barbizon School’s most accomplished artists and a leading figure in animal genre painting. Painted circa 1850, the work exemplifies Troyon’s exceptional talent. On a large scale, it depicts a weathered gamekeeper on a walk in the woods. He is clad in his signature blue coat and smoking a pipe, surrounded by his loyal canine companions. A white-and-brown spotted hound walks attentively, while a black, brown and white dog sniffs the ground nearby.
Troyon’s ability to capture the unique character and natural grace of each dog imbues the scene with life and charm, showcasing his unparalleled skill in portraying animals. The serene atmosphere of the rural landscape, coupled with the intimate connection between the gamekeeper and his dogs, reflects Troyon’s mastery in rendering both the tranquility of the countryside and the nuanced emotions of its inhabitants.
Born in 1810 to a Sèvres decorator, Troyon became known for his realistic and emotive portrayals of rural life and nature. By the mid-19th century, he had already achieved widespread acclaim, winning first-class medals at the Paris Salons in 1846 and 1848. A pivotal moment in Troyon’s career occurred in 1847 when he traveled to Holland and was deeply influenced by the works of the Dutch masters, particularly their skillful depictions of animals. This journey marked a turning point in his artistic focus, shifting his attention to animal subjects. His newfound inspiration led him to become one of Europe’s most prominent and sought-after painters, celebrated for his ability to capture the beauty and spirit of animals with exceptional realism.
Circa 1850
Literature:
Burlington Magazine, December 1910, pages 194, 195
Provenance:
Collection of Professor Fernand Gossens, Professor of Fine Arts, University of Brussels, Belgium, prior to 1921
Sold to the American Art Association, New York, February 3, 1921, Catalogue #68
Estate of Mrs. Vida L. W. Hudson (Mrs. Percy K. Hudson), Petersburg, VA
John Levy Galleries, New York
Purchased from M. R. Schweitzer Gallery, New York, July 6, 1984
Private collection, New York
MSR, New Orleans
The Gamekeeper and His Dogs by Constant Troyon
$128,500.00
1810-1865 I French
The Gamekeeper and His Dogs
Oil on canvas
This remarkable composition, titled The Gamekeeper and His Dogs, is a masterwork by the celebrated Constant Troyon, one of the Barbizon School’s most accomplished artists and a leading figure in animal genre painting. Painted circa 1850, the work exemplifies Troyon’s exceptional talent. On a large scale, it depicts a weathered gamekeeper on a walk in the woods. He is clad in his signature blue coat and smoking a pipe, surrounded by his loyal canine companions. A white-and-brown spotted hound walks attentively, while a black, brown and white dog sniffs the ground nearby.
Troyon’s ability to capture the unique character and natural grace of each dog imbues the scene with life and charm, showcasing his unparalleled skill in portraying animals. The serene atmosphere of the rural landscape, coupled with the intimate connection between the gamekeeper and his dogs, reflects Troyon’s mastery in rendering both the tranquility of the countryside and the nuanced emotions of its inhabitants.
Born in 1810 to a Sèvres decorator, Troyon became known for his realistic and emotive portrayals of rural life and nature. By the mid-19th century, he had already achieved widespread acclaim, winning first-class medals at the Paris Salons in 1846 and 1848. A pivotal moment in Troyon’s career occurred in 1847 when he traveled to Holland and was deeply influenced by the works of the Dutch masters, particularly their skillful depictions of animals. This journey marked a turning point in his artistic focus, shifting his attention to animal subjects. His newfound inspiration led him to become one of Europe’s most prominent and sought-after painters, celebrated for his ability to capture the beauty and spirit of animals with exceptional realism.
Circa 1850
Literature:
Burlington Magazine, December 1910, pages 194, 195
Provenance:
Collection of Professor Fernand Gossens, Professor of Fine Arts, University of Brussels, Belgium, prior to 1921
Sold to the American Art Association, New York, February 3, 1921, Catalogue #68
Estate of Mrs. Vida L. W. Hudson (Mrs. Percy K. Hudson), Petersburg, VA
John Levy Galleries, New York
Purchased from M. R. Schweitzer Gallery, New York, July 6, 1984
Private collection, New York
MSR, New Orleans